Are you headed out of town soon for a long trip or even just a long weekend? Well, I have created a list of things that you MUST take on your next adventure! My list is rather unconventional, but I am positive that you know to bring your toiletries and extra underwear. I won’t insult your intelligence by reciting a list of what you always take. No…my list is so much better. Read on and see!

1. Take a sense of humor.  You all know good and well that every family vacation in some way resembles the Chevy Chase Vacation movies.  You get lost. You deal with other horrible drivers. You get delayed from your well-planned itinerary with extra bathroom stops, flat tires, engine trouble, your wife wanting to stop at a “cute shop,” or a slow server during your lunch stop. If you are flying, there are even more delightful things to delay your trip or frustrate you!  Let’s face it, the number of things that can go wrong on a trip is ENDLESS! But, if you have a sense of humor, your trip will be much more enjoyable.  If you encounter that rude drive, put some distance between yourselves and calm down. If traffic is moving slowly in general, there is no way you can actually go faster than the crowd, so put on some music, belt out your favorite songs and enjoy the scenery, your family, and your music. Getting angry when things go wrong upsets everyone involved and accomplishes nothing. Two years ago, I took a trip with some colleagues of mine and on the long drive home we got a flat tire and had no tools with which to change it. While we waited forever for AAA to send a tow truck, we pulled out our ukuleles and had a uke jam well off the side of the road. Time flew by and we were happy!

2. Take an adventurous spirit. Since you are going somewhere new, make it a point to be willing to do, see, learn and eat something new. You should not try to play it “safe” during your entire trip. I love to use the example of food. My family has a rule that when we are on vacation, we never eat at a chain restaurant. (Well, when we pull off the interstate for a quick lunch, sometimes there isn’t a choice, but once at our destination, the rule is in play!)  We have eaten in some really ugly local places that have AMAZING food! Be adventurous with what you eat! While you are out and about on your trip try an activity that you can’t or haven’t experienced at home. For example, hit up a new theme park, visit a museum, attend a performance happening in the town you are in, hike the trails to see the waterfalls/mountains/etc., or take the jeep tour/segway tour/carriage tour. Do something that you would not normally do! Use your imagination and find something new!

3. Take a nap.  I know this sounds ridiculous, but hear me out. How many times have you come home from a trip and you are so exhausted that you wished you had two days off to rest before returning to work?  I know I heard you say, “EVERY time!” Your vacation will not be ruined if you take a an hour nap. In fact, a short nap will give you the energy to go explore even more. Sleep drives the “grumpies” out of you and your family so that you can avoid snapping at one another because you are tired. Trust me. Do as I say. Take a short nap!

4. Take a break from social media. Gasp! I said it. I said to stay off social media. I have seen people on social media posting millions of pictures while on vacation. Oh, guess what? I’ve been one of those people. But, here’s what I found out. When my nose is in the phone, I miss so much of what’s around me at this awesome location. Here’s what to do instead. Take all the pictures and selfies that you want, then put your phone back in your pocket. If you must post often, do it after your family is in bed for the night. Post every other night. Here’s an idea….post when you get back home.  Live in the moment with your family and have FUN being fully attentive to your family and location! Enough said.

5. Take a journal.  You knew that as much as I like lists, that I’d have to include a notebook for lists in some way!!! Go ahead and buy a Composition Notebook for less than a dollar and take it on your trip. Use a Sharpie to write the location and date of the trip on the front cover. Every day, at dinner or bedtime, encourage each member of the family to list what they most liked doing, seeing, or eating during that day. Younger children can draw a picture. Older (possibly uncooperative teens) can make a list, draw, or even just write one word to show what they liked. This activity will help bring your family together, wind down for the evening, and create a great way to remember your trip. You may even pull the notebook out several years later when you return to that location and decide to visit that quaint little restaurant that someone wrote about!

Well, I believe all this sparkling wisdom will help you enjoy your trip more! Give it a try and enjoy that next vacation!

Listfully yours,

Vicki